Mandatory Skills for Your Future Success!

In the 21st century, hard skills of earlier decades have become obsolete and newer and updated skills have emerged. These skills are termed soft skills, a group of inter-and intra-personal skills that helps one to become well-aware of themselves, their surroundings and their fellow beings. Employers look for employees who are aware and well-versed with such skills. Soft skills put into action by an employee always prove to be an asset to the company rather than a liability.

The importance of soft skills needs to be taught in schools to better prepare the students for the future. Following skills need to be focused on and developed in students right from their learning age:

• Leadership

As a student, you always have to make decisions, whether small (deciding which club to join or who to vote for in the student union election) or big (deciding which subject to study). A student, who can think quickly, make the right decision, coordinate with others and successfully plan an event or handle a crisis efficiently, possesses leadership qualities. These need to be inculcated and developed in students by allowing them to lead a team or an event.

• Critical thinking

Schools require students to conform to the school norms discouraging independent thinking and creativity. Many curious minds question the status quo and take risks. Teachers should encourage pupils to think critically, ask questions and form their own opinion through debates and discussions.

• Creativity

Formal schooling and standardized tests often curb and destroy a child’s curiosity and creativity. Children should be allowed to showcase and pursue their creativity through engaging activities.

• Problem-solving

We need to solve problems in our everyday life. Problem-solving needs to be a part of the school curriculum from elementary. Application-based questions are one of the widely used methods to develop this skill.

• Adaptability

Many new skills are continuously and rapidly replacing the older skills. Students need to adapt to new situations and update themselves with the new skills to compete.

• Communication

In today’s world, one needs to develop written and oral communication skills to efficiently express their views and thoughts to the audience. Schools can develop this skill by conducting debates, discussions, elocutions, etc.

• Exploring options

Teachers must provide students with career options that receive less exposure in the community. It would ensure the development of all students.

• Humility

Students should be assigned to help classmates outside their peer group. This practice would help them develop humility and empathy for all fellow beings.

Thus, schools and universities need to alter their curriculum and help students with soft skills, more so in the scenario of the prevailing virtual world that has taken over our lives.